I am currently sitting in transit in Hong Kong (now Taipei) after a whistle-stop tour of Scandinavia. My trip to Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark in 7 days reassured me about the importance of schooling, teaching design and sustainability as core foundations for all our futures. Anecdotally, the discussion in Scandinavia is about the changing climate – in a generation they have seen weather become much, much warmer… as one taxi driver in Stockholm commented: it’s now often only about zero degrees.
To behold the Finland
Design Museum – set up in an old warehouse – was affirming for what we are planning to implement for our Middle School in the Brown and Jolly building.
I can say (I think I have said this before) the DA submission is going in this week – much later than I (and you) had hoped and expected. But there is little we can do around these ‘processes’. I can say – it will be aMAZEing.
Play area at Conway Street – Construction Certificate nearly finalised
The back of Conway Street’s old warehouse space is nearly ready to progress to CC. That will mean we can look to raise support to create another play space for our mighty mites. In addition, this opportunity will allow us to move further forward with our early learning centre plans.
IB Diploma on track – Les Millard: consultant’s visit
I am thrilled to report we are making very positive progress toward offering the IB Diploma Programme for 2025. This has been a huge effort on the part of our Academy teachers, with special mention of Feli Pratto’s efforts. Les writes: “Thanks to you and your team for a memorable visit. This was quite a special one and very different from others I have done”. Les was very impressed with our new building and facilities at SCU – Z Block – where we are moving our academy into next year.
There are a few outstanding areas to complete and communicate – but we are on track! In preparation, our Y10 students will be embarking on a new SEED programme specifically designed to prepare them for the IB Diploma’s Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and preparation for subjects – more on this will be sent to the specific Academy families. However, I can say the opportunity to offer the IB Diploma is far-reaching and sits well with global citizenship. We will be the first school on the North Coast between the Hunter Valley and the Gold Coast to offer this internationally renowned programme.
New Academy Director – Jo Loiterton – starts on August 6
I am thrilled – even somewhat relieved – to report Jo starts with our Academy on August 6. To have her 25 years of international experience leading schools and the Diploma is such a great opportunity for Living School’s future. Jo is also a qualified psychologist and will be taking a keen interest in our wellness and support.
Sad and Unfortunate News
Debbie – break a leg (but not theatrical at all!)
It seems we just keep breaking things!! Debbie – our Business Manager – had a nasty fall and has broken her foot quite badly. This happened while I was hiking in Bodo (Norway) – so I do feel a little guilty!!
Sara Torpey, our Advocate – leaving for private practice
And, sadly but with such massive gratitude I write to let you know Sara Torpey is departing to take on a private clinic in the middle of Lismore. Sara stepped into our fledgling school in August 2020 on one day a week, which quickly increased to two and then three. Sara has instigated so many incredible aspects of our welfare programmes and saw the initiation of our Learning Families, our weekly welfare meetings, oversight of our wise-choices – and parent classes. As our inaugural advocate, these are big shoes to fill. But I am hoping to announce a new position shortly – I just have to get my phone calls picked up once I land in Brisbane! Sara will be with us for the next fortnight – and I know there will be many feeling the sadness of seeing her move, and praise for all the many supportive moments Sara has been at the forefront of our care.
New and Returning Staff
We welcome to our team Claire Sandrey (Year 7 and Middle School) and we warmly welcome back Racquel Wilson (HSC Chemistry/Science and Middle School).
Celebration of Semester One.
I was so impressed with our Middle School’s HalveIt festival day. Thank you to everyone who attended – and to our amazingly creative and dedicated students!! HalveIt’s seven keys for sustainability must underpin our curriculum development at Living School. I loved the photos from Carlie – and we had our own Sarah setting up our students to be roaming paparazzi, too!
Bus Transport – we need you to register your child if they are wanting to use our bus. Please ensure you do, as there are no public buses running next week. The BusMinder system is really easy – if you need help, just email
[email protected].
Academic Reports – coming home this week!
Watch your email as we digitally send out our school reports for paper, print and purpose (we all must be mindful of sustainability goals). We send them out at the start of the semester so we can refocus and set key goals. If you would like a printed version, you may request these from the office.
Challenge Week – Semester Two: next Monday
We return next week to start Semester Two. Term Four is themed around Civilisation. Each class has its own KeyStone inquiry question. Teachers will be sending out information on their teaching units and plans shortly.
Monday – whole-school assembly in H Block.
There will be a welcome back for all our K-12 students as in keeping with our start of semester. Parents are welcome to attend – it will be around 9:45am owing to having all of K-4 come up to attend.
Week One – Challenge Week
This is our first week back for Semester Two. As a result, we have our challenge week whereby the students will be working on a different schedule around our unique EQ, IQ, PQ, XQ learning lens.
IQ – There will be assessments in creative writing, reading and maths.
XQ – specific creative activities will be coordinated across Learning Neighbourhoods
PQ – we have sport and our second Athletics Carnival at Riverview Park on Thursday
EQ – activities around social and emotional resilience – VAST survey, Academic report returns, Goal setting and Classroom Expectations.
Preventure workshops for students in Years 9 and 10 – wise choices
We are excited to offer workshops on Tuesday for all our Year 9 and 10 students. Preventure is an innovative prevention program that empowers young people through brief, personality-focused workshops. Personality plays a key role in the choices people make and how they respond to stress. The Preventure program is unique in that it focuses on specific personality risk factors for substance use, and teaches participants personality-targeted skills to help them reduce risky behaviours and achieve their goals in life.
Friday – Onland Learning
We are heading back to the farm for specific challenges. Middle School has a full sport programme this term – leading into the Olympic Games.
This term we have an indoor climbing option being run by Jo Hoy and Sien Tips for an additional cost ($18 per week with all equipment included). The students from Middle School and Years 9/10 will have the option to select this term-long programme. There are other activities as well – and we have a focus on LaunchPad with Leo at SCU for our Y9/10 students as well.
That’s a wrap – at least I have to run to catch my midnight flight back to Brisbane (now delayed). The below photo is a message for all – and the waste I am holding is a plastic water bottle I found on the top of this peak in the Arctic Circle. We all have an important part to play in improving – or future-proofing our great-grandchildren’s lives! This is the purpose of Living School.
Cheers,
John
